Semi-automatic handgun options have been slim. But that’s changing with ammunition such as the new Vital-Shok Trophy Bonded Jacketed Soft Point in 10mm Auto. The accurate, powerful new round from Federal Premium gives hunters who have always wanted to use a semi-automatic handgun a serious big-game option.

Full-Power—Finally

As a cartridge, the 10mm Auto has experienced an unusual ride. When it was first developed, it was envisioned as a high-power round for law enforcement. And it was built for it thanks to high-velocity loadings that delivered more foot-pounds of energy than most personal defense and law enforcement cartridges available at the time. But when the FBI deemed the recoil too heavy for most of its agents, ammunition manufacturers strayed from the original plan, watering down most 10mm Auto offerings to produce ballistics almost identical to the 40 S&W.

The new Vital-Shok load is totally different. Unlike its more recent predecessors, it’s a full-power cartridge that takes complete advantage of the caliber’s true capability and offers the muscle needed for deer, bears and hogs, as well as for personal protection. Its 180-grain bullet leaves the muzzle at 1,275 fps (compared to the usual 1,030 fps) with 650 foot-pounds of energy—an increase of more than 50 percent from typical commercial loads.

This performance—which falls roughly between the 357 Magnum and 41 Magnum—is impressive, yet it’s still probably selling the load short, because these numbers were generated through testing with a 5-inch barrel. Handgun hunters using 6-inch barrels should experience better velocity and energy in real-world conditions.

Better Ballistics, Better Bullet

The new Vital-Shok load’s Trophy Bonded Jacketed Soft Point bullet design makes the cartridge even more effective. Based on Federal Premium’s proven Trophy Bonded Bear Claw rifle bullet, its heavy jacket features a formed inner profile that preprograms and controls expansion to ensure deep penetration, consistent expansion and high weight retention.

Combined with the full-power ballistics, the new round delivers knockdown power that’s never been seen in 10mm Auto loads. It’s the ideal choice for hunters looking to put a semi-automatic commercial handgun to work in the field.

About Federal Premium

Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Sporting.